Ultimate Travel Guide - Latest News

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has released the official calendar for the upcoming Umrah season, detailing key dates and regulations for international pilgrims planning to perform the pilgrimage during the Islamic year 1447, corresponding to 2025–2026 in the Gregorian calendar. Umrah Start and Visa Schedule International pilgrims will be allowed to begin performing Umrah from June 11, 2025. Visa issuance will start a day earlier on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446), giving pilgrims and service providers a clear timeline for preparation. Service Agreement Deadlines To streamline the process, all service agreements between Umrah companies and foreign...

Riyadh is preparing for a significant leap forward in transport innovation, with self-driving taxis set to appear on city roads in the near future. The announcement was made by Dr. Omaimah Bamasag, Deputy of Transport Enablement at the Transport General Authority (TGA), as part of the Kingdom’s broader plan to create a smarter, more sustainable transport network. This move won’t be limited to Riyadh. Five other Saudi cities are also expected to join the rollout of autonomous vehicles, which will include not only taxis, but also self-driving trucks, passenger vehicles, and drones. The initiative is being driven by the Future...

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially completed all five phases of the Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project on the Bur Dubai side, marking a major improvement in the city’s infrastructure and marking a dramatic drop in travel time. What once took 80 minutes now takes just 12, according to the RTA. The final step in the project involved the inauguration of the fifth bridge as part of the Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Mina Street intersection development. With this, drivers can now enjoy smooth traffic flow from Al Garhoud Bridge all the way to Port Rashid, via Infinity...

Staying connected on the move just got easier in Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate’s Transport Authority has officially launched free high-speed WiFi on all public buses, covering both local and intercity routes. The move is part of a broader plan to modernise public transport and boost passenger experience through digital upgrades. Whether you're commuting within the emirate or heading to another city, you’ll now be able to browse, stream, or get work done with seamless internet access on board. According to Ismail Hassan Al Baloushi, Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, the goal is to support smart mobility...

Dubai is gearing up to make self-driving taxis a reality by the first quarter of 2026, and the move could transform the way the city gets around. As plans continue to unfold, fleet operators like Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) are already looking ahead to the operational and financial benefits of autonomous electric vehicles. One major innovation behind this rollout is swappable battery technology. Rather than spending time plugged into a charger, these autonomous taxis will be able to head to a station, swap out their depleted battery, and be back on the road in minutes. This drastically reduces downtime and...

Dubai’s next big move in aviation is taking shape, and it’s set to change the way we travel. Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is being developed into what could soon become the largest and most advanced airport in the world. The first phase alone is worth around USD 35 billion and is packed with groundbreaking features aimed at creating a smooth, tech-driven travel experience. Here’s a look at seven of the most exciting innovations being built into the new DWC terminal: 1. No Immigration or Check-In Counters Say goodbye to waiting in long lines. Al Maktoum International will operate with...

Dubai’s property scene is known for pushing boundaries, and the latest addition has a distinctly sporty twist. Chelsea Football Club has teamed up with DAMAC Properties to launch a new football-themed branded residential project in Dubai Maritime City. Titled Chelsea Residences by DAMAC, the development brings together high-end living with a bold sports identity — and yes, it’s Chelsea blue throughout. The project includes six towers, each rising 130 metres high, offering a total of 1,400 sea-facing units with expansive views of the Arabian Gulf. But it’s more than just the skyline views that make this project stand out. Every...

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is transforming into what will eventually become the largest airport in the world by capacity. While it started small, the long-term vision is vast — built to serve over 150 million passengers annually in its first major phase and eventually reaching even greater heights. Construction of Al Maktoum International began in 2005, with the airport officially opening in 2010 as a cargo-only hub. Passenger services followed in 2013, and it has since operated under the name Dubai World Central (DWC). Located in Jebel Ali, Dubai South, the site is set to evolve into a fully...

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a large-scale initiative to refresh road markings across the city, covering 89 locations in total as part of its 2025 Preventive Maintenance Plan. The move is designed to boost road safety and improve visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. The renewal works will span highways, major intersections, and residential neighbourhoods, including the repainting of markings on 50 key roads like Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, First Al Khail Road, Al Khawaneej Street, and 2nd December Street. Meanwhile, 39 residential areas — such as Al Barsha, Al Twar, Oud Al Muteena,...

Abu Dhabi is powering ahead with its clean mobility goals. In a major step towards a more sustainable future, Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced the installation of 1,000 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across 400 locations throughout the emirate. The rollout covers Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, marking the first phase of a long-term EV infrastructure plan. All new charging points will be unified under the Charge AD brand, with standardised pricing: AED 0.70 per kWh for AC (alternating current) chargers AED 1.20 per kWh for DC (direct current) fast chargers The initiative supports the UAE’s...